Is 2009 the year of change?
Here in America, 2009 is supposed to be the year of change. Ushered in by the historic election of Barack Obama to the Presidency, for several weeks now the recurring theme is "change has come." While I have to admit there seems to be a general change of collective mood, so far there doesn't seem to really be much change. The stock markets continue to fall, and in big chunks. Gasoline prices, after having dropped to almost record lows, are on the rise again. All across the globe, there are still very bad people committing very bad acts against innocent people. India and Pakistan are still bitter rivals. The auto industry is still failing here, and so are many financial institutions. As I waited for the Australian Open to begin, I wondered, will there be change in the 2009 tennis year?
Well, so far, not really. As of today, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are still the odds-on favorites and playing like they will be in the final again. The American men have fared no differently then in previous years, with James Blake and Andy Roddick the only American men left standing in the singles, and most likely both will be gone following their next matches. Novak Djokovic is finally on track after switching racquet companies and racquets and having a hard time adjusting to the new frames. Even Jo-Wilfried Tsonga seems to be repeating his run here like last year. A look at the men's draw in the fourth round looks the same as it did in 2008. No real new stories.
On the women's side, the Williams Sisters, Serena and Venus, are also doing as before. Inconsistently brilliant, this time Venus left the draw early and Serena has won her matches, but looks rusty. They are still together in the doubles and it looks like they will make the finals, if not winning the doubles title. Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina seem to have not missed a beat during the brief winter layoff. Both look strong and could easily meet in the final. Ana Ivanovic has also continued her inconsistent play from the end of 2008. So for tennis, so far it doesn't look like 2009 will be the year of change.
However, there is one compelling new story brewing in Melbourne. Well, new for 2009, but she's not new. Jelena Dokic, finally free of the pressures of her father, apparently clear of her personal demons, has bashed her way into the fourth round, showing moments of talent that we all knew she had and hoped she would bring to us over the years. The WTA Tour last saw her in full force in 2006, and so far the 10-year WTA Tour veteran has sliced and diced her way through 2008's women's tour darlings (and seeded players) Anna Chakvetadze and Caroline Wozniacki, as well as Alisa Kleybanova, who took out world number five Ivanovic in the previous round. Her adopted country of Australia has embraced her return, giving her ovations with each match and cheering her on with each successive match. Dokic's appearance in the fourth round is her best-ever at the Aussie Open. That alone is a story.
So in 2009, change has come. In America, maybe. In tennis, maybe not. But maybe that's a good thing.
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